10 Best Lying (Side) Quads Stretch Alternatives for Mobility

Ranked Lying (Side) Quads Stretch Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Open "How to perform this exercise" on a card for the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page.

1. Best match

   

   1. Lying Prone Quadriceps

   91% match

   • Quads
   • Bodyweight
   • Beginner
   • Isolation

   It uses the same equipment and still works the quads.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Lay face down on the floor with your partner kneeling beside you. Flex one knee and raise that leg off the ground, attempting to touch your glutes with your foot. Your partner should hold the knee and ankle. This will be your starting position.
   2. Attempt to extend your knee while your partner prevents any actual movement.
   3. After 10-20 seconds, relax your muscles as your partner gently pushes the foot towards your glutes, further stretching the quadriceps and hip flexors.
   4. After 10-20 seconds, switch sides.

   Sets and reps: Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and repeat 2 or 3 times.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Body position: lying face down, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
2. 

   2. Quadriceps-smr

   91% match

   • Quads
   • Foam-roll
   • Beginner
   • Isolation

   A good swap when you have a foam roller to work with, and it still works the quads.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Lay facedown on the floor with your weight supported by your hands or forearms. Place a foam roll underneath one leg on the quadriceps, and keep the foot off of the ground. Make sure to relax the leg as much as possible. This will be your starting position.
   2. Shifting as much weight onto the leg to be stretched as is tolerable, roll over the foam from above the knee to below the hip, holding points of tension for 10-30 seconds. Switch sides.

   Sets and reps: Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and repeat 2 or 3 times.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Body position: lying face down, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
3. Play demonstration

   3. Assisted Prone Lying Quads Stretch

   90% match

   • Quads
   • Other
   • Beginner
   • Isolation

   A straight swap when you want to keep working the quads.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Lie face down on the ground with your legs extended.
   2. Bend your left knee and reach back with your left hand to grab your left foot or ankle.
   3. Gently pull your left foot towards your glutes, feeling a stretch in your left quad.
   4. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then release.
   5. Repeat with your right leg.

   Sets and reps: Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and repeat 2 or 3 times.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: static stretch, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Body position: lying face down, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
4. Play demonstration

   4. Assisted Prone Rectus Femoris Stretch

   90% match

   • Quads
   • Other
   • Beginner
   • Isolation

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Lie face down on the ground with your legs straight.
   2. Bend your right knee and reach back with your right hand to grab your right foot or ankle.
   3. Gently pull your right foot or ankle towards your glutes, feeling a stretch in the front of your right thigh.
   4. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds.
   5. Release and repeat on the other side.

   Sets and reps: Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and repeat 2 or 3 times.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: static stretch, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Body position: lying face down, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
5. 

   5. On Your Side Quad Stretch

   90% match

   • Quads
   • Other
   • Beginner
   • Isolation

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Start off by lying on your right side, with your right knee bent at a 90-degree angle resting on the floor in front of you (this stabilizes the torso).
   2. Bend your left knee behind you and hold your left foot with your left hand. To stretch your hip flexor, press your left hip forward as you push your left foot back into your hand. Switch sides.

   Sets and reps: Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and repeat 2 or 3 times.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: static stretch, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Body position: lying face down, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
6. Play demonstration

   6. Chair Leg Extended Stretch

   86% match

   • Quads
   • Bodyweight
   • Beginner
   • Isolation

   The same equipment, done seated instead.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Sit on the edge of a chair with your back straight and feet flat on the ground.
   2. Extend one leg straight out in front of you, keeping your heel on the ground.
   3. Lean forward slightly, feeling a stretch in your quadriceps.
   4. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds.
   5. Switch legs and repeat the stretch.

   Sets and reps: Hold for 20 to 30 seconds on each side, 3 sets.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: static stretch, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Body position: seated, not lying face down
7. 

   7. Kneeling Hip Flexor

   86% match

   • Quads
   • Bodyweight
   • Beginner
   • Isolation

   The same equipment, done kneeling instead.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Kneel on a mat and bring your right knee up so the bottom of your foot is on the floor and extend your left leg out behind you so the top of your foot is on the floor.
   2. Shift your weight forward until you feel a stretch in your hip. Hold for 15 seconds, then repeat for your other side.

   Sets and reps: Hold for 20 to 30 seconds on each side, 3 sets.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Body position: kneeling, not lying face down
8. 

   8. Quad Stretch

   86% match

   • Quads
   • Other
   • Beginner
   • Isolation

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Lay on your side. Loop a belt, rope, or band around your top foot. Flex the knee and extend your hip, attempting to touch your glutes with your foot, and holding the belt with your hands. This will be your starting position.
   2. With the belt being held over the shoulder or overhead, gently pull to increase the stretch in the quadriceps. Hold for 10-20 seconds, and then switch sides.

   Sets and reps: Hold for 20 to 30 seconds on each side, 3 sets.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: static stretch, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
9. 

   9. Side Lying Groin Stretch

   85% match

   • Adductors
   • Bodyweight
   • Beginner
   • Isolation

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Start off by lying on your right side and bend your right knee in front of you to stabilize the torso.
   2. Rest your head on your right hand or shoulder. Lift your left leg upward and hold it by the back of the knee (easier) or the foot (harder).
   3. Pull your left knee in toward your left shoulder and simultaneously press your foot or knee down to the floor. To intensify this stretch, straighten your left leg. Switch sides.

   Sets and reps: Hold for 20 to 30 seconds on each side, 3 sets.

   Why this matches

   • Movement: static stretch, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Primary muscle: adductors, not quads
   • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
   • Body position: lying face down, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
10. 

    10. Iron Crosses (Stretch)

    85% match

    • Quads
    • Other
    • Beginner
    • Isolation

    How to perform this exercise

    1. Lie face down on the floor, with your arms extended out to your side, palms pressed to the floor. This will be your starting position.
    2. To begin, flex one knee and bring that leg across the back of your body, attempting to touch it to the ground near the opposite hand.
    3. Promptly return the leg to the starting postion, and quickly repeat with the other leg. Continue alternating for 10-20 repetitions.

    Sets and reps: Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, 3 sets.

    Why this matches

    • Movement: static stretch, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
    • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, the same as the Lying (Side) Quads Stretch
    • Body position: lying on your back, not lying face down